Virtuous WomanExemplo

Unity

Character Goal: Unity – Glorifying God by seeking to be unified in purpose while understanding and appreciating our differences

Biblical Characters: Rachel and Leah vs. Mary and Elizabeth

Scripture Readings: Genesis 29:31-35; 30:1-24; Luke 1:39-45

Discussion Questions:

Leah and Rachel

• Who do Leah and Rachel look to for their self-worth? What are the consequences? What does this tell you about people?
• What does Rachel want? What does Leah want?
• What are they willing to do to get these things? What does this tell you about people?
• How does their scheming affect the sisters’ relationship? Maidservants? Jacob? Their children?
• What can cause disunity among other female teammates? How does this affect how you play both as an individual and as a team?
• How does our manipulation affect others and ourselves?

Mary and Elizabeth

• Who did Mary visit after the angel told her she would be pregnant?
• What was Elizabeth’s reaction to her visit? What could it have been?
• As a teammate, how do you react when someone who plays your same position does well?
• What are some differences between Mary and Elizabeth? Could these things be points of contention between the two?
• How does this encounter differ from the relationship between the two sisters, Rachel and Leah?
• Would you characterize your team as “Rachel vs. Leah” or “Mary and Elizabeth?” Give Examples
• How should our relationship with Christ affect our relationship with others?
• What is one thing I learned from this story that I can apply to my life today?

Core Truths:

• Women can cause disunity by negative competition, collection, and control.
• Women can encourage unity by recognizing and celebrating each other’s differences as they pursue the same goal.
• Our relationship with Christ, or lack thereof, affects our relationship with others.

Memory Verse:

Luke 10:27: “He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”